refectory

[ ri-fek-tuh-ree ]

noun

, plural re·fec·to·ries.

1. a dining hall in a religious house, a college, or other institution.

refectory

/ rɪˈfɛktərɪ; -trɪ /

noun

1. a communal dining hall in a religious, academic, or other institution

Word History and Origins

Origin of refectory¹

1475–85; < Late Latin refectōrium, equivalent to Latin refec-, combining form of reficere to renew ( refect ) + -tōrium -tory ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of refectory¹

C15: from Late Latin refectōrium , from Latin refectus refreshed

Example Sentences

What is the purpose of a room called a refectory?

From Slate

Dozens of worshippers filled the grand Refectory Church of Anthony and Theodosius located inside the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastic complex.

From Seattle Times

The royal couple will also formally open the minster's new Refectory Restaurant as part of their visit.

From BBC

The Ukrainian authorities plan to revoke the Russian church’s lease on two revered houses of worship — the Holy Dormition Cathedral and the Refectory Church — in the Monastery of the Caves complex in Kyiv, a thousand-year-old catacomb cradling the mummies of the holiest saints in Slavic Orthodoxy.

From New York Times

A church and a refectory were battered during more strikes in early May.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• amphitheater
• arena
• auditorium
• ballroom
• chamber
• church
• gallery
• gym
• gymnasium
• lounge
• theater